NALEDI is outside playing with the animals. She looks around to make sure no one else is around but she doesn’t see MAKWAME hidden in the distance.
NALEDI: Today, my friends, I have prepared an amazing surprise for you. A sighting of a lifetime!
The birds chirp excitedly, the insects buzz in anticipation.
NALEDI closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and concentrates. Her brows furrow and a mix of determination and pain flashes across her face. She clenches her fists tightly…
NALEDI (struggling): Come on…
A tear trickles down her cheek as she releases a soft whimper. Suddenly, the air around her shimmers, and her small wings begin to emerge from her back, their iridescent colours catching the sunlight. The process is slow and a bit painful, but NALEDI’s face is a mix of awe and discomfort.
The birds flutter around her, twittering in excitement, while the insects buzz in amazement. A calf approaches, eyes wide with wonder.
NALEDI (grinning through the pain) :See, my friends? I’m like you now… I have wings.
Just as NALEDI starts to feel the discomfort lessen, a rustling noise in the bushes nearby catches her attention. She turns her head quickly, and her wings reflexively pull back against her back, partially hidden.
MAKWAME (softly): It’s just me, Naledi.
NALEDI: MAKWAME! You scared me.
MAKWAME (chuckles): I apologise.I didn’t mean to startle you. steps closer. I saw your wings, Naledi. And I must admit, I’m quite intrigued.
NALEDI (panicking) : Please don’t tell Ma, I’m sorry. They just came out.! I promise I’ve been trying to keep them hidden.
MAKWAME: Naledi, calm yourself. I don’t intend to scold you or tell your mother. In fact, I’ve come to see your wings because I wanted to.
NALEDI: You… wanted to see them?
MAKWAME: Yes. As you have heard, your mother and I share different views but I still believe your wings are not something to be hidden or ashamed of. They are a part of who you are, a connection to a legacy that’s been forgotten for far too long.
NALEDI: But Mama is afraid of what the village might do if they find out.
MAKWAME: Your mother’s concern is valid, Naledi. Our people have not always taken things of this nature kindly. There were others like you in our history, but they got erased because people were frightened. They were frightened because they didn’t understand. They didn’t know what we used to be.
NALEDI (teary-eyed): It’s just… they hurt sometimes, Ma. And I’m scared of what people might say or do.
MAKWAME: Growing pains are a part of life, my dear. And as for people’s reactions, change is often met with resistance. But it’s also a chance to educate, to enlighten, and to bring understanding.
Naledi looks at MAKWAME, her curiosity mixing with hope.
NALEDI: So, you’re not mad at me?
MAKWAME:Of course not. In fact, I’m honoured. Maybe try talking to your mother again. Now that your wings are persistent, she –
NALEDI: You know how ma is. She’ll never agree.
MAKWAME:All I can promise is that I’ll try.
NALEDI: Thank you.